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Welcome to my technical approach of maintaining connectivity. This webpage is designed to introduce to people interested in the future of this reigon. It addresses issues and concerns they may wish to pursue as active and concerened citizens. Hopefully, this will broaden your perspective on these issues. The section on the Future of Reston includes comments on the evolution of the spectrum at town center. The section on Tysons includes an essay entitled Connectivity relating to the current discussion of tunnel versus no tunnel. The Lake Anne section is a synopsis of my study for the county and photographs of reinvestment projects that have been built elsewhere which may provide an example of what Lake Anne reinvestment should consider.
For many years, Patrick Kane has had an interest in many venues, both as a professional planner/educator and a civic activist. Unfortunately, in 2000, he suffered a debilitating stroke which has restricted his mobility and opportunity to interact. It has not, however, reduced his interest in the community where he lives and his professional activities. It has required him to explore new technologies to maintain connectivity. Although the stroke took away the use of his left arm and affected his vision, Kane was able to finish teaching the last course the University of Virginia graduate urban and regional planning program offered at their Northern Virginia facility before it closed. In order to compensate for his constraints, he has attempted to master electronic tools such as voice-activated software, a scanner, and a large computer monitor.
The objective of this webpage is to present Kane’s credentials and capabilities to interested parties and potential clients. It is also a mechanism for presenting his ideas and comments on issues of community interest. The content includes a biography, a resume, and description of some of his recognitions. Extracts and links to some of his studies that have been completed for projects that are still in public discussion are also included.
Kane’s classes always included a discussion of current projects and activities that affect human settlement. He often used examples of interesting projects and images from reinvestment in California. The webpage includes some of his recent papers and articles. This section will be updated periodically as appropriate. A method for reader interaction is being developed. Suggestions would be welcome.
When a graduate architect is often asked what style of design he/she advocates, the correct answer should always be, “Good design.” This leads to a discussion of the “signature characteristics of his work.” Most of Kane’s professional focus has been directed towards revitalization and community reinvestment, known by many as urban renewal. All too frequently, urban renewal projects have not met their objectives and have resulted in large quantities of vacant land. The majority of Kane’s projects have resulted in considerable new investment that met stakeholder objectives: buildings are in place and new businesses have formed, public spaces are occupied and lively, the economy is prospering. People have places to live, work, and play.
His projects have had a major impact on patterns of human settlement. These accomplishments can be attributed to his attention to assisting stakeholders craft realistic goals. When a logical program has been constrained by a bureaucratic regulation, he has been successful in convincing regulators on how the proposed actions meet their rules.
Updates
The initial posting on Restonopoly received a thorough and comprehensive edited by Baba Freeman. This version together with some archives photos has been reposted. The newest page is an introduction of the Community Reinvestment Institute, the title on Kane's current business card.
Breaking News (June 11, 2007)
The announcement of the formation of the Community Reinvestment Institute addressing the alternatives to the reputation attributed to the developers will begin with a copy of a new card featuring two of Reston’s architectural icons.
A compilation of headlines will serve as the mast head of future sections commenting on stories of relevance to the future of this region. The subject of the commentaries include: the June 6th edition of the Connection which used the ambiguous term ‘pedestrian friendly’ in its story on circulation in the town center.
The May 6th edition of the Post used a photo of the recent Kansas tornado with a surviving silo in the foreground on the front page which also contained the story on DC’s recent high rises approvals in DC. The juxtaposition of this story on the front page is worthy of comment on view sheds which is currently in preparation. Stay tuned.
Amy Gardner’s story on the county’s restriction on “big box’ did not contain any discussion of how big boxed can be effectively integrated into a community environment. A discussion of the term “big box” is found by clicking on the PFK perspectives tab and selecting the Future of Reston link. The above link, Fade Right to the End Zone, contains information on the history of college football and a connection with past Reston resident Joseph Jasinski whose obituary will be posted soon in the local papers. A recent call to his daughter using Germaine’s cell phone number found her in the parish rectory arranging the funeral thus allowing me to offer immediate Reston based sympathy.
Additional postings will address the issues reported on recently relating to the county's decision to move forward with the rail through Tysons addressing the potential for the use of good design to insure the elevated elements of the system contribute to the benefits that the system can offer to the future of Tysons and its governing juristinction of Fairfax County.
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